Bizarre New DSQUARED2 ad Campaign...

Last week I picked up the new Italian Vogue, and it was the usual beautiful, flash, glossy and very Italian fashion editorials, it's just such a shame I can't read Italian. And then I turned to this page. The new Dsquared2 ad campaign. There is definitely something off about the male model in the middle. And it is too obvious to ignore. So I wonder if this was done intentionally, and if so, why? Dsquared ads are usually very sexual and seductive, but this one is just unappealing.

The Complexities of wearing Khmer 'Traditional Dress'

Since I am drawing on the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat as inspiration, I decided to also look the the dress of Khmer people. The patterns are not complex, but the complexities lay within the wearing of the garment. The skirt or pant is usually a rectangular piece of fabric, worn with many pleats. Here is a video I found on youtube that teached you how to wear the garment for different occasions. This is very fascinating, as in contemporary Western dress, clothing is more complex in the patterns, and wearing it only takes a few seconds. After watching the video, I realise the knowledge needed to wear the garment. Also it is inspiring and interesting to see how a piece of cloth can be draped and worn, without sewing and patterns. Very sustainable too, since there is no wastage of fabric from cutting patterns.

Vintage Vision of the Future!!

Here's some inspiration for you all. This clip is from the 1930s and the designers' predictions of what we would be wearing in the year 2000. And I can't believe we are now in year 2010 already. Some of these designs are a little weird, but some are not so far off reality.

Enjoy!

Discovery of Marc Rothko!!

Last week my lecturer told me my photo prints remind him of Marc Rothko paintings. The fact that I did not know who Marc Rothko was distressed him very much. After googling Rothko's paintings, I am very thankful my lecturer enlightened me. His paintings are just beautiful, with its simplicity, yet entrancing quality.

This is my photographic print

Here are some of Marc Rothko's paintings from art.com

http://www.art.com/gallery/id--a4/aff--conf/ctid--971991524/rfid--381997/tkid--15051782/mark-rothko-posters.htm

My Obession with Florence Manlik

I first came across Florence Manlik's work in the book Illusive a few years ago, and instantly fell in love with the intricate line work and the mysterious, quirky and fun shapes. It transports you to a world of dreams and fairytales. Manlik also does commissions and her work is now available on wallpaper and as textile prints.

Take some time and enjoy!!

For more of her work: http://www.florencemanlik.com/index.php

Furry Cuteness

I know this is totally unrelated to fashion and design, but I just have to post a blog on the cutest kitten on youtube. I am totally obsessed with cats of all kinds, they are such stunning creatures and give me inspiration and motivation to design.

Enjoy the cuteness.

8-bit Gaming Revival

Nonda Maroulis, a friend of mine, was telling me about this revival of the 8 bit gaming and low resolution graphics reminiscent of the original mario bros games. I found this very fascinating, while the mainstream gaming industry is creating high resolution and realistic 3D CG gaming experience, this is making people go the opposite direction and wanting that old school 80s gaming experience. He described it as,

"the twenty to thirty somethings are getting nostalgic and making 8-bit games. It's part of the indie gaming movement and there's plenty of developers involved all over the world."

He gave me this simple but addictive example,

www.canabalt.com

Here is an artwork by Nonda Maroulis,

Below is one by his friend Alex:

You can contact nonda via email: nonda.maroulis@gmail.com